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Greece in November 2001

Travel to Greece in November offers off-season discounts, very light crowds, good air quality in Athens, and much more.

Several cruise lines offer special deals on November, December, and January sailings. The prices are great but the destinations are limited, and rough weather may cancel some scheduled port visits.

NOVEMBER Quick Look
Mainland Weather: Cool to cold
Island Weather: Cool to cold; high winds. Many days clear but uncomfortably cold or windy
Prices: Low

Facilities: Many islands are virtually closed. Large islands such as Rhodes, Lesbos, Crete, and the Ionians are still enjoyable. Air and boat travel schedules are limited. Port visits by tender from cruise ships may be cancelled due to rough water.

Off the well-beaten tourist track, up in the sparkling Northern Greece city of Thessaloniki in Macedonia, the 42st annual Film Festival takes over the city and temporarily fills it with glitterati. This year it runs November 9-18th and many other cultural events are scheduled at the same time.

November 8th is the festival and name day for both Michael and Gabriel. Any church or monastery named for either of these angels will hold a spirited festival. Michael is often revered on high peaks or cliffs, and many of his churches enjoy splendid panoramic views.

The island of Symi in the Dodecanese has several major churches dedicated to Michael. The most famous is Moni Taxiarchi Michail Panormiti, which is filled with votive offerings from centuries of pilgrims. Michael is the patron saint of Symi and is particularly revered by sailors.

November 21st celebrates the Presentation of Mary, when the three-year-old girl was first taken to the temple. and is celebrated as the name day for Mary and Panagiota. Any church or monastery dedicated to Mary will have a particularly vivid celebration on this day, but all Greek Orthodox churches will have religious observances.

Experience Greece as the Greeks do - outside of the tourist season, under cool and clear skies, with a November getaway to Greece!

More Resources:
Greece Through the Year
Bargains and Specials
Events Calendar
Detailed Weather Links

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